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Kobe Bryant: 50 Greatest Moments of Black Mamba’s Career

By Maxwell Ogden

Jan 20, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Kobe Bryant (24) warms up before the game against the Sacramento Kings at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 20, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Kobe Bryant (24) warms up before the game against the Sacramento Kings at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /
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44. First Triple-Double

The 2000-01 season was Kobe Bryant’s first at a superstar level. His popularity netted him All-Star Game appearances in 1998 and 2000, but there was no way around how dominant he was in 2001.

One of the highlights of that season was The Black Mamba recording his first career triple-double.

Shaquille O’Neal stepped up against the Vancouver Grizzlies with 31 points, 15 rebounds, five assists, three steals, and two blocks. Coupled with Bryant’s eruption, this game proved to be an accurate representation of the balance the two went on to achieve at their brief peak.

Bryant recorded 26 points, 11 rebounds, 11 assists, two blocks, and two steals during the 113-112 overtime victory over the Grizzlies.

Triple-doubles weren’t exactly Bryant’s patented skill, but this game was evidence of how well Bryant saw the floor. He was a gifted passer who, when on the facilitating attack, could take over a game with his distribution.

This was the first of 21 career triple-doubles.

Next: The First Eruption

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